[Helicondelta]

Any chance this satellite can drop nukes?

[ThunderSleeps]

Extremely doubtful. Their launch vehicle just doesn't have the throw weight. It can boost a couple hundred pounds of satellite to sufficient altitude and velocity to achieve orbit. But if you stack 1500 to 2500 lbs of warhead on it (estimate for first generation attempt at an RV) it only has enough total energy to loft that to a sub orbital trajectory. That payload estimate would also have to include some kind of orbital maneuvering system to de-orbit it on command. I don't think they can do it - yet. But hey, ballistic missiles with intermediate to intercontinental ranges are bad enough.

However, every launch of their booster stack is a valuable test. They get information on the performance of their 3 stages no matter what is sitting on top. Every satellite launch is useful in wringing out issues with the vehicle. I'm sure they are working on other less peaceful payloads too.

[HoosierWordsmith]

“Any chance this satellite can drop nukes?”

How about the possibility of detonating a nuke in orbit for an EMP strike?

[butterdezillion]

Yes. Last night’s thread about it at http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3394170/posts

[servantboy777]

>>Any chance this satellite can drop nukes?<<

As Cruz stated early in the last debate, NKorean Satellites could house a device capable of creating a EMP over the U.S.

Nuke on board detonated high in the atmosphere. Claims that this explosion could generate an electromagnetic pulse capable of crippling our electrical grid.

I don't know if this could happen or not. Scientist seem to think it's entirely possible. Scary thought.

Turn off the power, turn off communications, turn off just in time deliveries at food markets.....you got total chaos.

[Hot Tabasco]

Any chance this satellite can drop nukes?

The question that should be asked is if this alleged satellite can remain in orbit............LOL!

[LibWhacker]

Any chance this satellite can drop nukes?

Well, that's the reason the US panicked when the USSR was first to put a satellite into orbit back in the 50s. Not so much that the little satellite was going to disgorge a nuke and drop it on us, but that the satellite itself was a nuke; i.e., once you have a satellite in orbit, you have the ability in principle to bring it down on any point on earth it happens to pass over. Polar orbits are particularly effective in that regard because they take a satellite over almost every point on earth as the earth rotates beneath it.